The 92nd annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center took place tonight with the return of host Kelly Clarkson. This special event featured a diverse lineup of performers including Jennifer Hudson, Backstreet Boys, Thalia, RAYE, and Coco Jones, who all delivered renditions of both classic and original Christmas songs.

Experience the Magic and Controversy of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Performances and Audience Reactions

Some fans were left unimpressed by this year's performances. The ceremony received mixed responses online. One viewer on X expressed disappointment, stating, "This music is GARBAGE @nbc what the hell happened to this Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting special?" Another user chimed in, saying, "They forgot how to entertain people on network television."There were also mixed feelings about the Backstreet Boys' cover of A Christmas Song. While some were excited about the throwback performance, like one X user who wrote, "Kelly Clarkson and the Backstreet Boys on the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting? It’s a great time to be a millennial," others were less enthusiastic.

Backlash and Criticism

Some of the backlash stemmed from the perception that "Backstreet boys are not RnB singers." The actual performance also drew criticism. One X user said, "Oh…this Backstreet Boys performance is…rough #TreeLighting." Another added, "This Rockefeller thing is horrid! The Backstreet Boys are not enjoyable right now. They’re taking turns screeching into the microphone, trying to out warble their screeching counterparts. It’s not singing."One viewer penned a scathing post, referring to Nick Carter's sexual assault allegations from earlier this year and saying, "@nbc @kellyclarkson Good grief you think you could not highlight someone in your Christmas special that has sexual assault scandals?! Looking at you Backstreet Boys. What kind of Christmas message is this?! Horrible."

Approvals and Defenses

Despite the hate, some people expressed their approval of the band's performance. One post read, "Backstreet Boys at the Christmas in Rockefeller Center event is all I needed to put me in the holiday spirit!!" and another said, "Backstreet Boys singing down at this Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Yes ma’am!"Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.Sign up to our FREE newsletter and get the top stories to your inbox.DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.